Dissipative Pathways to Nuclear Fusion

This project addresses a foundational problem in quantum mechanics and nuclear science: how and why nuclear collision becomes irreversible. Nuclear collisions are used in a wide range of applications, from production of medicines to nuclear power. This project will use Australias world-class particle accelerator at the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility, Australian designed and built radiation detectors, and cutting-edge computational techniques to understand how nuclear fusion happens in unprecedented detail, and develop entirely new approaches to modelling nuclear reactions. Demand for nuclear expertise in Australia has never been greater, including in the mining, medical, space, and defence sectors, requiring both hands-on skills in measuring radiation, and modelling of nuclear environments and technologies. Major ongoing projects include planning for a new nuclear medicine production facility, new particle accelerators for cancer therapy, and the acquisition of nuclear-pow